State Fair Community College President Dr. Brent Bates received the Legacy Award (Individual) from the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce during its annual Chamber Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 27, at the Buena Vista Event Venue.
The Chamber Awards Luncheon recognizes businesses, entrepreneurs and volunteers who contribute to making the Sedalia community a vibrant place to live and work. The Legacy Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community through leadership, service and dedication.
Dr. Bates was selected through the Chamber’s annual nomination and review process, which begins with submissions from community members. Nominees must be current Chamber members, and final recipients are chosen by a selection committee based on those community-driven nominations.
SFCC Board of Trustees Treasurer Justin Hubbs presented the award to Dr. Bates.
“I’m honored to present Dr. Brent Bates with this award,” said Hubbs. “Dr. Bates has led State Fair Community College with extraordinary vision and impact. Under his leadership, the college has achieved a remarkable 20% enrollment growth, the largest amongst Missouri community colleges, while navigating natural enrollment declines that other universities experienced. He has overseen more than $60 million in facility expansions, launched innovative workforce programs, and strengthened partnerships that are transferring opportunities for students and communities around our region.”
“I’m humbled to receive this award, and I’m very honored,” said Dr. Bates. “I love my job because I love serving our communities. I love serving students, helping to make things happen for our businesses and industries, our families, and for our students making themselves better.”
Additional Chamber Award recipients included:
- Haleigh Mullins: Sedalian of the Year
- W-K Family of Dealerships: Legacy Award (Business)
- El Tapatio: Business of the Year
- Chanisty Lambert: Volunteer of the Year
- Susan Mergen: Chamber Champion
- Red Power Roundup: Special Project of the Year
- SrA Alann Jones – Security Forces, and SrA Shahbab Urban – Maintenance: Spirit Awards
Dr. Bates has served as president of State Fair Community College since July 1, 2022, following a distinguished career in higher education spanning nearly 40 years.
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